Is there a peak age/TIS for a soldier?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:51:55 -0500

For runners there is a "peak age", from 30-35 they say and I'm not a runner. For a soldier, is there any peak age? 25-30? When did you get your best APFT Score? Or is there any TIS where the soldier is more mature? When did you take full control of your career instead of hanging up there? As an NCO, what would you prefer, an older junior enlisted or a younger NCO? I know, too many questions in just one discussion but they are all related.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 5 at 2015 2:58 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:58:12 -0500

The army believes peak is mid 20s since it is harder to max out your PT score then. I have seen people in their 40s and 50s run their best times in marathons, so I think the important thing is how you train, your diet etc. But when it comes to injuries and recovery times, the younger the better. I am in my mid 30s now and can feel it in the mornings!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 3:03 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:03:47 -0500

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® I used to be 300lbs fat before joining the army, I've been "in shape" for just 3 years of my life and joined just a year ago. So, for me, I'm in the best shape that I've ever be. In BCT I competed with younger, quicker and more athletic soldiers and I felt great just to be able to run with them. At the same time, I felt like in a High School with so much inmaturity. PT test a side, what is the best age of time in service for a soldier? Or your answer covered that too, sir?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 1:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:13:49 -0500

I joined the Army at 31, I am now 40 and have been thru the abuse that being a Soldier puts on us. 4 knee surgeries and deployments behind me and I still don't feel that I have peaked. Maturity plays a huge fact in all we do so I believe that a Soldier who is a little older with maturity does have somewhat of an advantage, but we all know if you can't PT you will be left in the dirt. Being a well rounded Soldier/NCO is the best bet. Invest in yourself post gyms are free besides what other job pays you to be in top notch physical shape as well as truly encourages it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 6:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 06:01:07 -0400

PFC Ortiz,
It is all about the mental age of the soldier. There are high speed young non commissioned NCO's and ate up older junior enlisted soldiers. I have found that the more responsibility, freedom, and accountibility given to the soldier... the better. This matures the soldier and produces a better leader. If you want to be a better soldier ask for more responsibility before your time; i.e. being in charge of another lower enlisted soldier or performing a skill level 2 duty.